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By Tara Weingarten
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Santa Barbara, Calif., between the sapphire blue Pacific and tall, rocky Santa Ynez mountains, is the West Coast's most romantic hideaway. You can stroll on the sand, walk under palm trees or watch dolphins in the water. Here are our top picks:
Stay at Bacara Resort and Spa (from $450; bacararesort .com). Right on the beach, with a 42,000-square-foot spa and rooms that carry the softest Frette Italian linens, robes and slippers.
Eat at La Superica (622 North Milpas Street; 805-963-4940). Julia Child and Martha Stewart each caused a stampede when they told viewers about this taco stand. Expect long lines, since its tamales are so hot.
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See the Santa Barbara Mission (sbmission.org). Founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786, it's one of the state's finest examples of mission architecture. Several structures built by Indian labor remain: a grist mill, aqueducts and ruins of a pottery kiln.
Go on a one-hour catamaran ride across the Santa Barbara channel, passing humpback whales. Then paddle your own kayak into ancient caves on Santa Cruz island. A one-day adventure costs $175 at adventours.com.
Sip the same grape juice they raved about in "Sideways." More than 60 small wineries can be found in the nearby rolling hills (santabarbara.com for a map).
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